Hiking with Padme

Climbing the Upper Big Creek Trail

Upper Big Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Upper Big Creek Trail Location: Olympic National Forest Distance: 4.7 miles (AllTrails.com) / 6.33 miles (we did some back tracking and down to the confluence viewpoint) Difficulty: Hard (Elevation change for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Maybe!! The trails...

Slough to Sea Trail South

05/11/2025 1-2 hour drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Lollipop,Moderate Trail,On-Leash

Slough to Sea Trail South Trail Stats Trail: Slough to Sea Trail South Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 2.3 miles (AllTrails.com) / 3.8 miles (I added some distance by starting at the Visitor’s Center) Difficulty: Moderate (Ups and down might be a bit much for creaky knees) ADA...

Gnat Creek Trail

05/02/2025 1-2 hour drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Moderate Trail,On-Leash,Out-and-back

Gnat Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Gnat Creek Trail Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 7.2 miles out and back / I did 3 Difficulty: Moderate (Length, some ups and downs for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Absolutely not (roots, uneven terrain) Grade Padme’s Paws: 4 (out of 4) My rating:...

Kilchis Point Trail: Hiking to the Bay at Tillamook

01/04/2025 1-2 hour drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Easy Trail,Loop,Off-Leash

Summary: This trail is perfect for both dogs and humans alike, offering a scenic, accessible route through diverse landscapes with minimal mud. Padme, who loves new places to explore, enjoyed being off leash, splashing in the creeks, and running wild along the bay. For me, the educational signs and...

Navigating the Kwis Kwis to Fort-To-See Trail: A Solo Hiker’s Perspective

12/14/2024 1-2 hour drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Loop,Moderate Trail,On-Leash

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A- Hiking the Kwis Kwis to Fort to Sea Trail was a rewarding adventure for both Padme and me. Located near the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center, the trail provides not only scenic views but also a rich, immersive experience. As we walked, Padme...

Latourell Falls Loop – A Pretty Hike, But Not Great for My Knees

11/30/2024 0-60 minute drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Loop,Moderate Trail,On-Leash

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Hiking the Latourell Falls Loop in Guy W. Talbot State Park is an experience full of stunning sights, physical challenges, and a few unexpected surprises. This 2.85-mile trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and the Columbia River...

Hiking Fort Cascades Loop: Scenic Views, History, and How to Stay Safe from Poison Oak

11/24/2024 0-60 minute drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Easy Trail,Loop,On-Leash

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Exploring the Fort Cascades Loop Trail with Padme turned out to be an easy and scenic adventure, but not without a few challenges. The hike is perfect for those seeking a short, low-elevation walk, but the presence of Poison Oak made it a bit...

Dog-Friendly Hike at Eagle Fern County Park Loop Trail – Conquering the Upper Loop with Padme

11/23/2024 0-60 minute drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Loop,Moderate Trail,On-Leash

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A Trail Stats Parking – Easy Eagle Fern County Park offers a spacious parking lot with a convenient kiosk to pay the $8 fee. If you prefer, you can use one of the following passes: There’s also a nice bathroom building with flushing...

But the Wildwood Nature Loop is Old

11/16/2024 1-2 hour drive from PDX,Dog-Friendly,Easy Trail,Loop,On-Leash

Summary: Spending time outdoors is enriching for both Padme and me, offering her new scents and sights while providing me with peaceful escapes. On the Wildwood Nature Loop, a flat and scenic trail, Padme enjoyed exploring safely on-leash, though I wish she could run freely. While an unsettling...